Your Guide To The Babbacombe To Maidencombe Walk
Experience the stunning coastal path near Torquay with the Babbacombe to Maidencombe walk, one of Devon’s most scenic coastal walks.
Your walk begins right from our serene 5 star Cary Arms & Spa hotel, a place where feet and earth are touched by tides. You can even pick up a booklet written by Debbie Jenkins from the Cary Arms, that documents the route in detail.
Allow yourself a four hour window to take in the rich array of sights and sounds found along this 7-mile section of unspoilt Riviera coast. This walk offers a chance to escape into nature with convenience. The route naturally provides access to regular rest stops, signposted directions, and dog-friendly outlets. The path is well defined however, suitable footwear should be used, such as walking boots or trainers in dry weather.
In wet conditions, there will be muddy sections, so consider some more support or grip if you feel you need it, for example, high ankle boots, walking trainers, or wellies.
What To See On Your Coastal Walk
The spring and summer time provide a rich abundance of nature in particular. The warmer weather and increased sunlight bring out more flowers and flourishing trees alongside generally calmer seas. All of this helps make spotting sea life, such as dolphins and seals, much more likely. Common and grey seals frequent the area as well as bottlenose and common dolphins. Harbour porpoises are particularly more likely to be found near Oddicombe beach.
A Reward at the end of your Coastal Walk
The Babbacombe to Maidencombe Walk naturally ends at Maidencombe Beach, which offers access to the Thatched Tavern. A 17th century thatched pub and restaurant with delicious food, a long list of wines, fine ales, and many more options within their drink’s menu. Please be aware that the Thatched Tavern is closed in January and February. Enjoy a spot of peaceful shade in the warmer months or take the chance to warm up next to their log fire in colder times of the year.
The Cary Arms offers the optimal starting point for this part of the South West coast path. Our walkers' retreat accommodation can also cater for your four-legged friend. If you would like to book your stay, you can do so here.
The Walk In Detail
Turning right from the Cary Arms leads you onto the beach. Take the wooden cat walk around the limestone cliffs, then turn right down steps before heading left along a wide track towards Oddicombe beach.
Take a left at the fork towards a grassy slope then a road. Turn left onto tarmac for 100 metres. Take the steps on your right, signs will mention Petit Tor. One more right turn proceeds under the cliff railway.
Follow the acorn and yellow arrow right for the next section on the Babbacombe to Maidencombe walk. The path proceeds through a dip before presenting another acorn and yellow arrow turning you left. Proceed down the steps and follow the wooded path that steers left into open ground with a gate.
Go through the gate to enter an area with amenities, and a bench for a break. To the left of the bench will be an opening in the hedgerow. Passing through the gap brings you to a parking area. Turn right onto Rowley Road for 100 metres before turningright onto Petit Tor Road.This leads towards the end of the road through a kissing gate. The path will proceed left and back towards the coastal path.
Keeping the golf course on your left for 300 metres brings you to a sign saying “coast path Watcombe”. Follow this through the green trees and bushes. Ignore frequent right angled turns, despite signs promoting them as coastal paths, they are steep excursions, staying on the level path ahead provides nicer terrain. The path then rises and presents a sign post saying “Watcombe and Maindencombe”, turn right here.
Soon after, those steep excursion roots rejoin the path, at which point, you can venture right to visit Watcombe beach, or continue the Babbacombe to Maidencombe walk by following the path left. Another acorn and yellow arrow sign will soon turn you to the right.This leads to valley of the rocks.
At the bottom, a sign post will turn you right up the “coast path to Maidencombe”, which quickly leads to a fork, go left, signed “alternative route to Maidencombe”. Pass through the gate and proceed until you reach the lower coastal path that eventually brings you to a kissing gate entering onto tarmac. Here you’ll find toilets, with Maidencombe beach and café to your right.
The Thatched Tavern can be found by turning left and passing thorough the barrier on the other side of the car park that leads you up the hill
The Return Walk Or Travel
Hourly Route 11 Stagecaoch Bus From Maidencombe Cross. A 25min journey.
A taxi usually takes 9 minutes. The average cost is £12 - £16
pound.
Returning on foot involves taking a left from the Thatched Tavern onto Rock House Lane. This road bends right before presenting a left fork that you will need to take. Once again, you will need to take the next left hand track to return to the valley of the rocks. Head up and left towards the sign for Babbacombe.
Cross the road to Watcombe beach and bear left before a right turn puts you back on the wooded path for Petit Tor. Staying on the return part of the Babbacombe to Maidencombe walk means following signs stating “Coast Path, Petit Tor, Torquay”. Go through the dip, ignoring the steep excursion coastal path signs now on your left. Turning left at the T junction brings you back to the golf course.
Return through the kissing gate and take a left when you reach the roundabout. Turn left back into the park and take the gap back through the hedge. Pass through the gate at the bottom and return through the next wooded area. Head up the steps taking a right then left turn before passing back under the cliff railway. Head left down the steps towards the road.
After 100 metres the road bends a sharp left where the grassy lane ahead brings you to another flight of steps where you can head back over the cat walk before relaxing for the rest of your day at the Cary Arms.